Michigan Bike Tour
Tour Overview
Michigan Bike Tour: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan & Mackinac Island
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Start: Traverse City, Michigan | End: Traverse City, Michigan
Bikes: View Fleet |
E-Bikes Available ( Limited. Request Early)
Rating: Easy to Intermediate Trips
Experience Northern Michigan at its best on a 6-day cycling vacation combining spectacular Great Lakes riding with some of the region’s most distinctive stays. Pedal the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, ride through cherry orchards and vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula, follow Lake Michigan through the legendary Tunnel of Trees, and finish on car-free Mackinac Island. Settle in for three nights on the shores of Lake Michigan, overnight at historic Stafford’s Perry Hotel overlooking Little Traverse Bay, and cap off your journey with a memorable night at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. With thoughtfully designed routes, multiple mileage options, full van support, high end bikes included, and time to explore beyond the bike, this is Northern Michigan the Sojourn way.
Tour Highlights
- Sleep on the shores of Lake Michigan- giving you time to experience Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes without constantly changing hotels.
- Ride Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — one of Michigan's signature landscapes of forests, dunes and brilliant blue Lake Michigan.
- Pedal through Michigan's cherry and wine country — Ride Old Mission Peninsula past orchards, vineyards and shoreline scenery.
- Experience the legendary Tunnel of Trees — Follow one of Michigan's most celebrated cycling roads
- Discover Charlevoix & Petoskey — Explore two quintessential Northern Michigan waterfront towns and Charlevoix's famous Mushroom Houses.
- Finish on car-free Mackinac Island — Arrive by ferry and spend your final night at the historic Grand Hotel.
Lodging Information
Distinctive lodging, carefully selected to complement your tour.
The Homestead
The Homestead is a beachfront resort offering a wide range of unique lodging choices supported by luxurious facilities. It is located on the beach and is surrounded by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (3 Nights)
Stafford's Perry Hotel
For over 122 years, the Perry Hotel has proudly stood overlooking Little Traverse Bay; welcoming visitors to the crown jewel of Michigan’s “Gold Coast.” Guests get to enjoy the unique décor in each of the 75 guest rooms, and of course the breathtaking vistas that first gave inspiration to the expression “Million Dollar Sunset” for which Petoskey is now famous. (1 Night)
The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Since 1887, Grand Hotel beckons guests to a time where old-world meets new charm. Discover the rich history and tastefully preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying the hotel’s modern amenities and unsurpassed service. (1 Night)
Date and Pricing
Book NowWhat's Included
- Support of experienced tour leaders from start to finish
- Full van support for a variety of route options
- Custom Sojourn branded performance shirt(*starting in 2027), riding sling bag and water bottle – yours to keep
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- One night at Mackinac Island Grand Hotel, one night at Stafford’s Perry Hotel, three nights at The Homestead
- Complimentary use of Sojourn’s equipment and bikes [Our Bike Fleet]
- Tandem Custom Built Cannondale or Co-Motion options at an added cost of $300
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Mackinac Island Ferry
- Limited E-Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- All breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners
- Daily route directions, maps, and a downloadable GPS
- 5% Past Traveler Discount to use on your next Sojourn Tour – Conditions Apply.
FAQs
Our Michigan Bike Tour begins in Traverse City, Michigan, and ends back in Traverse City. On Day 1, the group meets at Veterans Park before beginning our first ride. On the final day, we ferry from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw City and shuttle approximately 2.5 hours back to Traverse City, with a drop-off at Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).
We strongly recommend arriving in Traverse City at least one day before the tour begins so you can start your vacation rested and ready to ride. You can choose from the hotels close to Veteran’s park in Traverse City. Guests are responsible for arranging and paying for their pre-tour accommodations.
The tour begins at 8:30 AM on Day 1 at Veterans Park in Traverse City. Because of the early start, we recommend arriving in Traverse City the day before the tour rather than flying in on the morning the trip begins. Please come dressed and ready to ride.
We expect to arrive at Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) at approximately 4:00 PM on Day 6. Please schedule departing flights for 6:00 PM or later to allow adequate time for the ferry crossing and drive back from Mackinaw City.
The Michigan Bike Tour offers a variety of daily mileage options, making it easy to tailor the riding to your ability and energy level. You can check out the daily mileage on our Day by Day tour tab.
Northern Michigan offers mostly approachable cycling with gently rolling terrain and occasional longer grades. Some sections around Sleeping Bear Dunes and Northern Michigan’s back roads are hillier, but challenging climbs make up a relatively small portion of the overall tour. Our support van is available on riding days, so you can opt out of a more challenging section if needed.
Yes. We rate our Michigan Bike Tour Easy to Intermediate and designed it with recreational cyclists in mind. The trip has specific days or sections of routes that have gently rolling hills with some longer grades. However, those instances will be few and far between, and the overall trip is at an easy level for cyclists who don’t cycle often. Van options are available for those more challenging segments if you choose to opt-out, with routes averaging 20-85 miles per day.
The Michigan Bike Tour combines paved recreational trails, bike paths and paved roads, including portions of the Leelanau Trail, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Little Traverse Wheelway, along with quiet Northern Michigan roads. The Tunnel of Trees portion is primarily on paved roadway, and the final ride around Mackinac Island is also paved.
Yes. A limited number of Sojourn electric-assist bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend reserving your e-bike when you book your trip. Please note that Mackinac Island has restrictions governing e-bike use, so Sojourn e-bikes cannot be taken onto the island.
Mackinac Island is famously car-free and has specific regulations governing motorized vehicles and electric bicycles. Sojourn’s standard e-bikes do not meet the requirements for unrestricted recreational e-bike use on the island. Guests using a Sojourn e-bike will leave it securely with our vehicle and trailer before taking the ferry to Mackinac Island. If you would like to participate in the final island ride, conventional bicycles are available to rent locally.
You don’t have to ride the maximum mileage. Most days offer shorter and longer riding options, and our support van provides additional flexibility. Your tour leaders will review the day’s routes with you each morning and help you select the mileage that best suits your interests, ability and energy level.
No. One of the benefits of traveling with Sojourn is flexibility. You’re welcome to take some downtime, enjoy the resort, explore a town on your own or skip an activity when you prefer.
Here is a list of everything that’s included in your Michigan Bike Tour.
We’ve designed the Michigan itinerary to maximize time riding, exploring and enjoying the destination rather than sitting in a vehicle. Several rides begin directly from or close to our accommodations, while short transfers connect us with the best cycling routes. The longest scheduled transfer occurs on Day 6. After taking the ferry from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw City, the drive back to Traverse City is approximately 2½ hours.
Sojourn specializes in small-group cycling vacations, allowing our tour leaders to provide personal attention, flexible riding options and a more relaxed travel experience. We limit our group sizes to 15.
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DAY BY DAY
Michigan Bike Tour
Traverse City to Glen Arbor – Leelanau Trail & Lake Michigan
Begin your Michigan bike tour in Traverse City, where you’ll meet your Sojourn leaders, get fitted to your bike and set out toward the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Ride the scenic Leelanau Trail, part of the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) trail network, through Northern Michigan’s rolling countryside, orchards and small communities. Stop in charming Suttons Bay for a group lunch before continuing toward Glen Arbor and the spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Your destination is a beachfront property overlooking Lake Michigan and your home for the next three nights. Settle in, enjoy a welcome reception and gather for dinner overlooking the lake.
Up to 46.3 miles | Elevation: 1,384 ft.
The Homestead
L, DSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Ride into the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the signature landscapes of Northern Michigan. Cycle alongside the brilliant waters of Glen Lake and continue toward the village of Empire before connecting with the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and spectacular Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Today’s route delivers a rewarding combination of forest, dunes and expansive Lake Michigan views—and the most climbing of the tour. After a picnic lunch, trade your cycling shoes for walking shoes if you wish. Choose a leisurely hike along the Cottonwood Trail and take in the view from the Dune Overlook, perched high above Lake Michigan. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.
Up to 34.4 miles | Elevation: 1,531 ft. The Homestead B,LOld Mission Peninsula – Ride, Paddle or Relax
Today is about experiencing Northern Michigan your way. Join your leaders for a beautiful loop ride around Old Mission Peninsula, one of the region’s signature cycling routes. Pedal past cherry orchards, vineyards and rolling farmland with views of Grand Traverse Bay before reaching Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, located near the 45th Parallel—halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Prefer a day off the bike? Arrange a kayak trip on your own down the peaceful Crystal River, explore the shops and restaurants of Glen Arbor, rent a paddleboard, relax on the Lake Michigan beach or simply enjoy a leisurely day at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, giving you the freedom to explore local favorites.
40.7 miles | Elevation: 913 ft The Homestead BBoyne City, Charlevoix & Petoskey – Northern Michigan Waterfronts
After breakfast, we shuttle to Boyne City for a day connecting three of Northern Michigan’s most charming waterfront communities. The morning ride is through rolling farmland, wooded roads and countryside before arriving in Charlevoix, beautifully positioned between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to explore Charlevoix. Walk out to the South Pier Lighthouse, browse local boutiques and galleries, or seek out the town’s whimsical Mushroom Houses, designed by architect Earl Young. This afternoon, continue along the Little Traverse Wheelway, a scenic paved route following the Lake Michigan shoreline toward Petoskey. Tonight, stay at historic Stafford’s Perry Hotel, overlooking Little Traverse Bay, and gather for dinner with the group.
Up to 36.8 miles | Elevation: 1,265 ft. Stafford’s Perry Hotel B,DPetoskey to Mackinac Island – Ride the Tunnel of Trees
Today brings the longest ride of the tour—and one of Northern Michigan’s most memorable cycling experiences. Leave Petoskey along the Little Traverse Wheelway and ride through Harbor Springs before joining M-119 and the legendary Tunnel of Trees. This celebrated stretch of road winds beneath a canopy of hardwood forest high above the Lake Michigan shoreline, with glimpses of brilliant blue water appearing between the trees. Continue north toward Cross Village, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own, before riding quiet country roads and bike paths toward Mackinaw City. From here, board the ferry and cross the Straits of Mackinac to car-free Mackinac Island, where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages replace automobiles. Tonight is a highlight in itself: an overnight at the iconic Grand Hotel. Settle in and experience one of America’s most celebrated historic resorts before gathering for a special farewell dinner.
53.4 miles | Elevation: 1,499 ft. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island B, DWrapping up in Mackinac Island
Wake up on Mackinac Island and enjoy breakfast at the Grand Hotel before one final ride. Pedal the scenic 8.1-mile paved loop around Mackinac Island, following the shoreline of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. With only 167 feet of elevation gain and no automobile traffic, it’s a wonderfully relaxed finale to your Michigan cycling vacation. Stop along the way for photos and island views before enjoying some additional time to explore Mackinac Island. Later, board the ferry back to Mackinaw City, reunite with the Sojourn van and shuttle approximately 2½ hours back to Traverse City.
8.1 | Elevation: 167 ft. BRelated Trips
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